The alleged miracle involves the healing of an unborn child which was witnessed sixteen years ago in California. During the pregnancy, doctors had found a serious problem with the foetus and because of the effects this problem was known to have on the brain, the only possible solution for the young mother was to have an abortion. The woman had wanted to go through with the pregnancy and entrusted herself to the intercession of Paul VI, the Pope who wrote the 1968 encyclical “Humanae Vitae”. The child was born without any health impairments: the family has to wait until the child reaches the age of fifteen before confirmation of complete healing can be given. But a second unexplainable case of healing – involving a nun diagnosed with a tumour – could also be presented to the Vatican Congregation for examination.

The reason for the wait until the child turned 15, is that healing miracles must be complete, suddenly, and lasting. That is to say, if a person has a relapse soon after the healing, it is not any longer considered.

Reminder: Not all miracles concern healing. For example, some concern protection from harm.

43 Responses to Congregation for Saints issued decree on the “heroic virtues” of Pope Paul VI

Yeah! Over the past year I have watched the movie (available on DVD) “Paul VI: The Pope in the Tempest,” at least ten times. I highly recommend it to anyone with even the slightest interest in this Pope.

I agree it would be beneficial to have a better understanding of the late Pontiff. Was he as indecisive as I have heard him described? What were his motivations for some of the many changes he made? I would also like to better understand how the final Consilium product came about. Did Paul VI agree with it? Did he feel bound by the process and committee he established? I have never heard good answers to these questions.

15 years. I don’t understand. Who decided on that number? If there was an abnormality on ultrasound, and the child was born fine, then either it’s a) a misdiagnosis or b) a miracle. The evidence lies in any ultrasound printout. If that doesn’t exist, then detailed doctor / sonographer notes and unbiased eye-witnesses to the ultrasound.

Further evidence lies in the tests done on the child after birth. Surely if they thought there was an abnormality they actually looked for it after birth – ultrasound, CT scan, X-ray? And if those were normal, and the child stood and walked and talked and did basic calculations at the appropriate time, why wait until a child is capable of basic calculus and tweeting using an ipad to be sure there is no lingering brain anomaly?

There have been, according to “The Popes: Twenty Centuries of History” by the Pontifical Administration of the Patriarchal Basilica of St. Paul, LEV 2005, a total of 263 legitimate popes.
Of that number, less than 80 have been canonized, less than 30%.

I would say that we should thank God that we have had some really good, holy, saintly popes over the last 150 years.

Alexander VI was had a concubine when Cardinal, whom he dumped after being made Pope, because that is unfit for a Pope. He then had a relationship with Giulia Farnese, about which it is not proven that he ever went beyond what Catholic morality (when stripped of the “how do others think about what I do”) allowed him to do.

Besides, he was indulgent about a joke that never were meant as anything else than a joke, which in Heathen style appraised him as a small-g god. (We were in the Renaissance, back then.)

Besides, he was responsible for the unjust judgment against Savonarola, about whom it however can be said that he a) was a disobedient cleric and b) was a fanatic. (“He wanted me to burn, now he burns”, as an observer in Florence said at the time.)

As far as I remember, that is about it.

While I sincerely do not want to bash Paul VI, and far from defending Alexander VI in all he did, I’m not so sure about that constant Alexander-VI-bashing either.

While some might criticize the reign of Pope Paul VI because of unhappiness with the revision of the liturgy, I think there are many, many more who dislike him because he spoke clearly on moral issues, especially sexuality, at a time when Western society was throwing off all sexual constraints, and even many theologians and priests and religious were hoping he would end the discipline of celibacy, permit use of “the Pill,” and permit ordination of women. In their view he did everything wrong.

His last two encyclicals, Sacerdotalis Caelibatus (June 24, 1967) and Humanae Vitae (July 25, 1968) probably precipitated in the West more men to leave the priesthood, and women to leave the Church, and the whole “culture of theological dissent” to develop in the US, than any changes in the liturgy. Especially during the last 10 years of his reign after Humanae Vitae, he was held in great disdain in the US by many Catholic theologians, and of course feminists. And do not forget his October 1976 approval, confirmation and publication of Inter Insignores on the question of women to the ministerial priesthood, which again incensed feminist and progressive theologians, priests and religious in the West–until today.

His obituary in the NY Times on August 7, 1978 begins: “In contrast to Pope John XXIII, his predecessor, Paul VI was not naturally gregarious and innovative. He was the consummate bureaucrat in his Vatican career and not given to striking out in new directions.” This written of the pope who issued a completely revised liturgy, in the vernacular. What the criticism was all about was Humanae Vitae and Sacerdotalis Caelibatus.

Further in the obituary: “He performed the arduous and often thankless role as caretaker over a church that was in the midst of a tumultuous change. In terms of particular actions, Pope Paul may be best remembered for his 1967 encyclical that underscored the church’s opposition to artifical means of birth control. It caused a storm of protest, particularly in the United States, and is often cited as a major reason for the large-scale decline in mass attendance that followed in America.” They got the “thankless” part right.

Paul VI boldly stood for the truth of the faith and tradition in an age of sexual revolution and radicalization of gender politics, and he suffered a lot for that.

More from the NYTimes obituary: “The progressives conclude that there is much unfinished business in the updating of the church because of Pope Paul’s lack of enthusiasm for further reform. As one who had risen from modest origins to the highest ecclesiastical authority, he revered the church and sought to protect it against the temptations of a secular age. He did not trust the sexual liberality of the present, or the tendency toward doctrinal relativism. The losses to the church in numbers and influence caused him much grief. His messages during his last years were often a desperate cry to those in the church to try harder. He extolled those who appeared most loyal by traditional standards and lamented those who, like the thousands of priests who married or resigned during his tenure, failed to conform. Once, extremely upset, he compared such priests to Judas.”

‘Paul VI was not naturally gregarious and innovative. He was the consummate bureaucrat in his Vatican career and not given to striking out in new directions.’ A good assessment. Most biographers/commentators say that had Montini been a cardinal in the 1958 election he would have been elected Pope and most definitely there would have been no VII. WRT liturgical reform, it is said that he wept over some of the reforms implemented [e.g. the abolition of the Octave of Pentecost] simply because he didn’t keep a close eye on what was being put before him to sign [and to be fair the changes between 1965 and 1975 were not only unprecedented in the entire history of the Church but were overwhelming in their volume and far reaching consequences which at the time most probably could not have been forseen]. Add to the mix the manipulation of Bugnini and things become more understandable, given the disposition of the man.

That doesn’t change a long standing policy of popes canonising certain predecessors to validate their own pontificate.

I guess I have to wonder why it would not be scandalous to advance the cause of Paul VI. It is apparently scandal that has stalled the cause of Pius XII, even though that scandal is based on demonstrable falsehoods; but we are still in the midst of the crisis over which Paul VI presided. Paul VI did not cause the crisis; but did he do all he could to avert it? Was Paul VI really immune to the Zeitgeist of the 20th century? He does deserve credit for Humanae vitae, the glory of his pontificate; but quite honestly, the real credit for that goes to the Holy Spirit, Who keeps the Barque of Peter from going over Niagara Falls no matter who is at the helm. In fact, as I have often maintained, that Humanae vitae issued from the pen of a man like Paul VI furnishes striking proof that the Holy Spirit does guide the Church, and popes really are infallible in matters of faith and morals.

I hope Pope Paul VI is in heaven, but I don’t see why we should be in such a hurry to raise him to the altar. Surely that judgment is better made when we have emerged from the present crisis, and by some future generation that has a clearer view of the matter.

Miss Anita Moore, O.P. wrote: “I have often maintained, that Humanae vitae issued from the pen of a man like Paul VI furnishes striking proof that the Holy Spirit does guide the Church, and popes really are infallible in matters of faith and morals.”

I have found this convincing as well. Not even Paul VI, who presided over the almost complete destruction of the Catholic Church, could teach error when it came to faith and morals.

Well I’d imagine Our Lord does his popes the favor of granting them Heaven under the usual Catholiccircumstances at the least. If canonization had to do with the Late Paul VI approval rating by those of us who grieve over how he was misled and manipulated …. I’m not so sure. But at least he made it clear that V2 is not a dogmatic council – “The smoke of satan has entered the Church”. God rest Paul VI soul.

I hope I’m misinterpreting some of these comments, which appear to say Pope Paul VI can’t be in heaven because his pontificate was not successful. I can’t judge on whether he was successful, but I don’t see anyone claiming here that he was unfaithful to Christ, and I’d think putting out Humanae Vitae almost by itself qualifies as heroic virtue.

“God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful.” – Mother Theresa

If they are going to canonise all the Vatican II popes, I hope they don’t forget John Paul I. He wrote a very amusing and insightful book called, Illustrissimi, a series of letters to historical personalities.

Going by the current apparent guidelines for sainthood, this should surely qualify him.

This pope should be canonized for Humanae Vitae as well as his personal holiness. After the publication of that infallible statement, I wrote the Pope a letter thanking him. If his signature is on the letter, does that make it a third class relic?

I have to agree with Tradster on this. Up until very recently, Popes were just NOT considered as sainthood candidates. There was a LONG period between St. Pius V and St. Pius X. The proponents of V2 Uber Alles are doing everything they can to cement the changes.
Frankly the miracle I am looking for is the return of the traditional faith…..

1. To a certain extent he was stuck with consequences of the organizational indifference of John XXIII, who knew the Church needed reform, but neither knew what needed to be done nor understood the depth of the problems. He turned the Council over to liberals, then died.

2. Paul VI inherited a bad situation and made it worse. I can’t see how any pope can be considered saintly who did nothing while the Church fell apart, even taking the side of those who were working for her destruction (and opposed to papal authority) and giving no support to good priests who were persecuted by the hierarchy. He promulgated Humanae Vitae, then appointed bishops who refused to implement it. He did nothing about any liberal opposing the Catholic doctrine, incl Kung and Rahner.

3. I was in Rome when his cause was opened. The word was that within a week 2 or 3 Cardinals showed up in Rome to give testimony that he was a liar. If that is so, what is meant by Heroic virtues?

3. It is also common knowledge that he told Cardinal Mindszenty that he would be primate of Hungary as long as he lived, then a month later broke his own word. It is also well known that Paul VI had no use for Opus Dei or its founder.

5. There seems to be a tendency to think that beatifying popes is the way to Church reform.
The liturgy needs reform. Priestly formation needs reform. Whether or not Paul VI is declared venerable or blessed will have little effect on either.

“Personally I’ll trust the judgement of Holy Mother Church as to who should or shouldn’t be Canonised, since she, and not Internet commentators, have been divinely mandated that responsibility.”

Amen!!!

Let’s face it: Traditionalists will not be happy with any pope who does not condemn Vatican II and completely abolish the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite and replace it with the Extraordinary Form. Progressives will not be happy with any pope who does not change Church teaching on abortion, contraception, the ordination of women, etc.

I’ll still with Holy Mother Church and His Holiness of our Lord, Christ’s vicar on earth!

Geoffrey says: Let’s face it: Traditionalists will not be happy with any pope who does not condemn Vatican II and completely abolish the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite and replace it with the Extraordinary Form. Progressives will not be happy with any pope who does not change Church teaching on abortion, contraception, the ordination of women, etc. I’ll still with Holy Mother Church and His Holiness of our Lord, Christ’s vicar on earth!

That’s a pretty broad brush to paint traditionalists with. Why don’t you apply to us some of the same fairness you demand for Pope Paul VI? Like many — probably most — traditionalists, I’m happy with our current Holy Father, who does not condemn Vatican II and will not completely abolish the Ordinary Form. But I question the need to rush to canonize a Pope who presided over one of the worst crises in the history of the Church, and who gave the appearance of being antithetical to those who sought to defend tradition. This does not make me somebody who is not “with” Holy Mother Church and His Holiness of Our Lord.

fvhale, supertradum, acardnal, and geoffrey: you are all right. Humanae Vitae was one of the most heroic actions that any Pope has ever done. I urge everyone to read Padre Pio’s letter to Pope Paul VI regarding Humanae Vitae. We have been blessed with great holy Popes starting with Blessed Pius IX.
Supertradum, I must especially compliment you because you could have been very negative re Pope Paul VI because of the ordinary form of the Mass.
Geoffrey, I agree with your comments 100%. Those on the left or on the right who do not want to humbly follow the Holy Father will never be satisfied unless the Vicar of Christ implements all of their desires.

It is sad to see the farce that has been made of the canonization process, truly. It all began with the elimination of the office of the devil’s advocate. “By their fruits ye shall know them” is all I can really say to this proposition of canonizing Pope Paul VI.

Bill,
You seem quite certain that the only reason individuals would be “dissatisfied” with a Pope would be because he did not “implement all of their desires”.
Setting aside the rather uncharitable nature of this characterization, you do not seem to have put much thought into your opinion. Seriously, can you think of no other reason why a person would be unsatisfied with the actions of a particular Pope?

Search Fr. Z’s Blog

Search for:

SHOPPING ONLINE? Please, always come here first!

Enter Amazon through my link. Click the image below (they took away our search box!). Fr Z will get a small percentage of what you spend. (Pssst - Can't see it? Turn off your "ad-blocker" for this site!)

“This blog is like a fusion of the Baroque ‘salon’ with its well-tuned harpsichord around which polite society gathered for entertainment and edification and, on the other hand, a Wild West “saloon” with its out-of-tune piano and swinging doors, where everyone has a gun and something to say. Nevertheless, we try to point our discussions back to what it is to be Catholic in this increasingly difficult age, to love God, and how to get to heaven.” – Fr. Z

YOUR RECENT COMMENTS

Fallibilissimo: I don’t know if I’m falling prey to Poe’s law of the internet here. I’m fully appreciati ve of the need for society finding solutions to and fighting the effects of glabal warming...

JonPatrick: All of our statues, images, and crosses were covered, even the little crosses on the flagpoles. After Jesus says in effect “I AM is my name” ; that is calling himself God, he...

Deacon Ed Peitler: Looking for reverentia l Catholic liturgies? Come to Front Royal, Virginia. You have your choice of St. John the Baptist Church or, if you child is lucky enough to get into...

Paypal Donation

Let us pray…

Grant unto thy Church, we beseech
Thee, O merciful God, that She, being
gathered together by the Holy Ghost, may
be in no wise troubled by attack from her
foes.
O God, who by sin art offended and by
penance pacified, mercifully regard the
prayers of Thy people making supplication
unto Thee,and turn away the scourges of
Thine anger which we deserve for our sins.
Almighty and Everlasting God, in
whose Hand are the power and the
government of every realm: look down upon
and help the Christian people that the heathen
nations who trust in the fierceness of their
own might may be crushed by the power of
thine Arm. Through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee
in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world
without end. R. Amen.

My "challenge coin" for my 25th anniversary of ordination in 2016.

Want one? I do exchanges with military and LEOs, etc. and you can make a donation.

I travel a good deal. As I get older, it takes more of a toll. My main airline - sigh - is Delta. Were I to get some Gift Cards for Delta, I could more easily upgrade for longer flights. I'm just sayin'. I'd be much obliged. HERE

New miscellaneous releases and events

Yes, Fr. Z is taking ads…

For example...

A great hymnal…

Because it matters what children read…

I carry one of these super-strong rosaries in my spare mag pouch! The Swiss Guards have them too!

The Swiss Guard have these rosaries!For the story clickHERE and HERE (esp. 18:00)

Because you don’t know when you are going to need to move fast or get along without the supermarket…

To set up a recurring, monthly donation via PAYPAL (even a small one) go to the bottom of this blog and look for the drop down menu! Do you want yet another alternative to PayPal? I have set up an account with
CONTINUE TO GIVE
Get a link to donate via CONTINUE TO GIVE using your smart phone.
SEND MESSAGE:
4827563
TO:
715-803-4772
They take a larger percent taste, but they are an alternative.

I remember benefactors in my prayers and periodically say Mass for your intention.

This catechism helped to bring Fr. Z into the Catholic Church!

Be a “Zed-Head”!

Fathers, you don’t know who might show up! It could be a “big fish” of one sort or other…

And... GO TO CONFESSION!

“And how we burned in the camps later, thinking: What would things have been like if every Security operative, when he went out at night to make an arrest, had been uncertain whether he would return alive and had to say good-bye to his family? Or if, during periods of mass arrests, as for example in Leningrad, when they arrested a quarter of the entire city, people had not simply sat there in their lairs, paling with terror at every bang of the downstairs door and at every step on the staircase, but had understood they had nothing left to lose and had boldly set up in the downstairs hall an ambush of half a dozen people with axes, hammers, pokers, or whatever else was at hand?... The Organs would very quickly have suffered a shortage of officers and transport and, notwithstanding all of Stalin's thirst, the cursed machine would have ground to a halt! If...if...We didn't love freedom enough. And even more – we had no awareness of the real situation.... We purely and simply deserved everything that happened afterward.”

What people say about Fr. Z

"Rev. John Zuhlsdorf, a traditionalist blogger who has never shied from picking fights with priests, bishops or cardinals when liturgical abuses are concerned."
- Kractivism

"Father John Zuhlsdorf is a crank" "Father Zuhlsdorf drives me crazy" "the hate-filled Father John Zuhlsford" [sic]"Father John Zuhlsdorf, the right wing priest who has a penchant for referring to NCR as the 'fishwrap'"
- Michael Sean Winters

"Fr Z is a true phenomenon of the information age: a power blogger and a priest."
- Anna Arco

“Given that Rorate Coeli and Shea are mad at Fr. Z, I think it proves Fr. Z knows what he is doing and he is right.”
- Comment

"Let me be clear. Fr. Z is a shock jock, mostly. His readership is vast and touchy. They like to be provoked and react with speed and fury."
- Sam Rocha

"Father Z’s Blog is a bright star on a cloudy night."
- Comment

"A cross between Kung Fu Panda and Wolverine."
- Anonymous

Fr. Z is officially a hybrid of Gandalf and Obi-Wan XD
- Comment

Rev. John Zuhlsdorf, a scrappy blogger popular with the Catholic right.
- America Magazine

RC integralist who prays like an evangelical fundamentalist.
-Austen Ivereigh on Twitter

“For me the saddest thing about Father Z’s blog is how cruel it is.... It’s astonishing to me that a priest could traffic in such cruelty and hatred.”
- Jesuit homosexualist James Martin to BuzzFeed

Fr. Z's is one of the more cheerful blogs out there and he is careful about keeping the crazies out of his commboxes
- Paul in comment at 1 Peter 5

I am a Roman Catholic, in no small part, because of your blog.
I am a TLM-going Catholic, in no small part, because of your blog.
And I am in a state of grace today, in no small part, because of your blog.
- Tom in comment

More stuff…

Archives

ENTRY CALENDAR

Do you use my blog often? Is it helpful to you?

If so, please consider subscribing to send a monthly donation. That way I have steady income I can plan on, and you wind up regularly on my list of benefactors for whom I pray and for whom I periodically say Holy Mass.

Some options

Admin Stuff

The opinions expressed on this blog do not necessarily reflect the positions of any of the Catholic Church's entities with which I am involved. They are my own. Opinions expressed by commentators in the comments belong to the commentators.